September 28, 2018
First full month of school: Check! Time sure flies by when we're having fun learning! It is about that time of the year when the leaves are turning shades of red and yellow and the comfy sweaters come out. Autumn is just around the corner, and there is still so much going on within our classroom! Continue reading to know all about what's been happening in fifth grade.
Literacy
*We have been preparing for our Unit 1A assessments next week. We are working on quoting accurately and comparing/contrasting characters and events within literary texts. We have been practicing these skills by using shared reading texts such as Night of the Spadefoot Toad and "Shells". The students have been analyzing the main characters in each text to compare and contrast them. This helps them dig deeper into the development of the main characters.
Writing
*Students are continuing to work on narrative writing. After utilizing graphic organizers to plan, students developed their stories through the use of a detailed sequence of events and effective character development. Encouraging students to infuse dialogue into their writing was also an emphasis. We are working on elevating their writing by adding higher level transitional words and figurative language. To help them be reflective, the students graded their own narratives by using a student-friendly rubric of our district writing targets. After grading themselves, they made edits to polish and improve their narratives. Ask your student to share with you their narratives!
September Book Project
*Students are to create a word collage about the independent reading book they are currently reading. The title of their book will go in the middle of their project. Then, they can look through magazines for words and phrases that illustrates or tells information about their books. They may create the collage on the computer and/or with a website such as Wordle, Wordcloud, Wordart, etc. and print it out. They may also draw their collage on paper and get creative with writing words in different fonts (I think this is most fun option!). As they are completing their word collage, students should be thinking about the theme, setting, plot line, and characters. The goal is get at least 50 words, phrases, or sentences. Their word collage should tell a potential reader more information about the book. This project is due Friday, October 12.
Math
*We just finished our first unit in math, which included order of operations and volume. Now, we have begun our second unit in math. Unit 2 targets includes addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators and solving fraction story problems.
Science
*We are continuing our focus on understanding the characteristics of various ecosystems around the world. We just completed our owl pellet investigation, which was so much fun and exciting. Using the owl pellet investigation, the students were able to learn more about producers, consumers, and the flow of energy within the ecosystem. Ask your child about what they discovered in the pellets!
Social Studies
*We plan on starting indentured servitude and its effect on the colonial economy in the coming days.
*Below is the calendar for October current events. Please help your child be accountable for presenting and completing their current events. This is also posted onto Schoology in the Homeroom course, which your child should know how to access.
Word Their Way
Word Their Way
*We are starting our spelling program, Words Their Way, soon. District 96 utilizes this curriculum to implement spelling/word study. More information will be sent home on Monday.
Upcoming Events
October 1-3 (Monday-Wednesday): Book Fair
October 8 (Monday): NO SCHOOL (Columbus Day)
October 15 (Monday): Picture Retakes
October 15 (Monday): Picture Retakes
October 23 (Tuesday): EARLY RELEASE DAY (Dismissal @ 2PM)
Friendly Reminders
*Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack!
*Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.
*Twitter - If you haven't done so, please follow my ACCOUNT! You'll need a Twitter account to follow and see the tweets. This is where I'll post daily updates about what's going on within the classroom.
*As the months get chillier, it may be a good idea to have your child bring a sweater/light jacket to keep within the room.
- Ms. Nguyen
- Ms. Nguyen